Al-Baker (third left), is joined by HE the Minister of Finance and Chairman of Qatar Airways, Ali Shareef al-Emadi (fourth left), HE the Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani (second right) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner (right), at a press conference on the opening day of the 2015 Paris Air Show.

Qatar Airways placed a $4.8bn order at current list prices with Boeing for 10 firm 777-8Xs and four 777 Freighters on the opening day of the 2015 Paris Air Show on Monday.

The 777X builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777, as well as offering more market coverage and revenue capability than the competition. The 777X will include new engines, an all-new composite wing and will leverage technologies from the 787 Dreamliner.

The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X – both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences.

According to Boeing, the 777-9X will be 12% more fuel efficient than the competition, necessary in today’s competitive environment. The 777-8X is 5% more efficient than its competitor at all ranges while providing for new network opportunities.

Design of the 777X is underway and production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020. With this order, the 777X has accumulated 320 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide.

“Acquiring technologically-advanced airplanes such as the 777X is integral to our expansion strategy,” said Akbar al-Baker, Qatar Airways CEO.

“With the addition of these 777-8X to the 50 777-9X already on order, we are confident of continuing the tremendous legacy of the 777.

“The order for four 777 Freighters underpins the value that this airplane has also brought to our rapidly growing cargo operations. Qatar Airways Cargo is an integral part of the Qatar Airways Group and we look forward to enhancing the existing fleet with next-generation aircraft,” al-Baker added.

Boeing said it was the “undisputed” air cargo market leader, providing more than 90% of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity. The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 km) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter.

The airplane's range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

“The order for an additional 10 777Xs is a further endorsement by Qatar Airways of the airplane which enjoyed the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner.

“We are also very proud that Qatar Airways continues to expand its cargo operations with the 777 Freighter. We look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Airways well into the future.”

Swipe at Delta

Meanwhile, Reuters said al-Baker had taken a swipe at the head of US carrier Delta Airlines, which has accused Qatar Airways and other major Gulf carriers of receiving huge subsidies -- a charge they deny.

At the air show, al- Baker said, "I hope that the gentleman at Delta knows that we are creating even more jobs in the United States by ordering more airplanes," he said.

Al-Baker also reiterated a threat to quit the oneworld airline alliance in a spat with American Airlines, one of three US carriers also involved in the subsidy row.

Qatar Airways joined the alliance in 2013. Its top executive has said American is inhibiting its business by restricting terminal access at New York's John F. Kennedy airport.

"We are only committed to oneworld provided the spirit in which we joined oneworld exists," al-Baker said.

"If we are being cornered by an airline that invited us to be part of the alliance and is now acting against our interests ... blocking inventory and blocking us gates at JFK, of course we have no purpose to be in an alliance.

"If we find that we cannot have a settlement to this very contentious issue, yes we will exit from oneworld."